A Desire for the Novel: Simon's Journey from Sydney, Australia to Lausanne, Switzerland

Greetings! My name is Simon and I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. While we have only recently been acquainted, one thing that you should know about me is that I love new experiences. I find the idea of diving into the unknown, to discover something for the very first time, absolutely tantalising. For me, it keeps life interesting, fresh, and most importantly, fun!

Pictures: Me trying an emu egg and foraging for mushrooms. New experiences!

I think this modus operandi reflects well in my journey to currently doing a PhD in beautiful Lausanne, Switzerland. When I finished high school, I jumped straight into a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney, majoring in Genetics and French. The combination was important here - I wanted two very different majors so that when I was bored in one, I could work on something else completely different. It was fantastic! Not only was I developing a passion for bioinformatics research, I was also developing language skills and immersing myself in a new culture.

Me presenting my research at a symposium, and some delicious cheese from an event I organised with USYD’s French Society.

Pictures: Me presenting my research at a symposium, and some delicious cheese from an event I organised with USYD’s French Society.

After my bachelor’s, I was keen to study my PhD abroad. It was both a good professional move to develop my global research connections, but having also done most of my bachelor’s during COVID, I was particularly excited to travel. Having studied French and wanting to continue to put it to good use, I started my search in Europe, and eventually came across my current PI at EPFL, Professor Jacques Fellay. There was a great match in personality, and while the PhD topic advertised was a topic I’ve never worked on before (tuberculosis), I was keen to give it a go. So like that, I packed my (many) bags and headed over to start a new life in Switzerland.

Pictures: Me at EPFL for my interview, and my (and my family’s) suitcases before I moved. There is a rice cooker in one of them!

Two and a half years later, I can easily say that this was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I am working in a very exciting field with a group of talented researchers, I have explored so many new countries and regions, and I have made some wonderful friends. While I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I know that I will always try new things, and to always have fun. 

Picture: The view from EPFL campus.

If you want to contact me about my journey to Switzerland, my research, or anything else in particular, you can email me or message me on LinkedIn. Chat soon!

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